THE READ: NO BOOKS?

That’s what the local theater group Write Out Loud is asking the community to do with a monthlong celebration of books based on the Ray Bradbury classic “Fahrenheit 451.” It kicks off Monday with a free event in Old Town.

Funded in part by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts program called The Big Read, the celebration will include more than 20 events around the county: readings, art displays, music, wine tastings and panel discussions.

Bradbury’s book is about a future where books are outlawed in America, critical thinking is discouraged and firemen start blazes instead of putting them out.

The local events will encourage San Diegans to “ask themselves the question, ‘Which book would you save from the flames?’” said Veronica Murphy, artistic director for Write Out Loud.

Monday’s kickoff at the Cygnet Theatre in Old Town begins at 7 p.m. It will include artwork from local students exploring the issues raised by “Fahrenheit 451.” Word maven Charles Harrington-Elster will discuss the book, and professional actors will perform readings.

Twenty-four events over 30 days are planned at locations from La Mesa to Logan Heights, Mira Mesa to Mission Valley. A full schedule of events — most of which are free — is available at
writeoutloudsd.com.